Symrise has developed a production method for a nature-identical cannabinoid that is expected to revolutionize the pharmaceutical market. With Canapure® (cannabidiol), the pharmaceutical industry now has access to a nature-identical, synthetically produced CBD that is suitable both as a valuable active pharmaceutical ingredient and as an intermediate product for the development of new substances. Scientific studies prove that the nature-identical active ingredient is identical to CBD derived from the cannabis plant. At the same time, the new Symrise product achieves a purity level of 99.8 percent.

Symrise is setting new standards in the synthetic production of CBD. Canapure® is identical to natural CBD, which does not have psychoactive effects. It is said to have relaxing and anticonvulsive, anti-inflammatory, anxiety-relieving and nausea-relieving effects. THC derivatives are not detectable in this synthetic active ingredient. A joint comparison study by the Universities of Madrid and Córdoba and specialized institutes in Spain and Germany confirms that analytics has found no significant difference in the biological value of purely natural CBD and nature-identical Canapure®. In addition, an x-ray structure analysis by the Max Planck Institute proves that the absolute configuration of Canapure® matches that of CBD.

“With Canapure®, we are offering a reliable alternative to natural CBD,” says Jörg Thilo Fischer; Technical Manager API at Symrise. “This product innovation is identical to natural CBD, of consistently high quality and purity and available year-round.”

Active ingredient based on D-limonene

In the production of Canapure®, Symrise uses its expertise as the world’s leading expert for fragrances and flavorings made from terpenes. D-limonene, the basis for the active ingredient, belongs to the group of terpenes. This renewable raw material is a byproduct of the orange juice industry. It comes from the peels of the fruit. Symrise converts the D-limonene to menthadienol , which is ultimately used to produce Canapure®.

Symrise has developed the synthetic CBD according to the guidelines of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) for active ingredients for the pharmaceutical industry. Accordingly, both the source materials and Canapure® are produced under GMP conditions. This means that the processes comply with the particularly strict requirements for all manufacturing practices such as materials, equipment and hygiene.

“During production, we place great importance on sustainability and GMP-compliant quality management,” summarizes Fischer. “In this way, we conserve resources and at the same time meet the high demands of our customers.”